Welcome back to the return of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
These are some of the last NHL predictions before the holiday break. We want to wish everyone a warm and joyous holiday season.
NHL Predictions
New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Rangers 0-1 Devils
Time: 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: MSG; MSGSN; ESPN+
We open NHL predictions with our featured game between the Rangers and Devils. New York is expected to go with Jonathan Quick in goal for this one. However, always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. Will Cuylle has been one of the bright spots in a disappointing campaign with 11 goals and 13 assists for the Rangers.
Jacob Markstrom is slated to get the start for the Devils, who have a 6-3-1 mark in the last 10 games. New Jersey has been playing well most of the season. However, they are still behind the Washington Capitals in the Metropolitan Division. Jack Hughes has been on a roll lately with four goals and 11 assists over the last 10 games.
Note the early start time for fantasy and wagering purposes. However, the Devils go into the break with a victory.
Prediction: Devils win 5-2.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers
Head-to-Head: Lightning 0-1 Panthers
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Scripps Florida; Fan Duel Sports Sun; ESPN+
Our second game of NHL predictions is the back-end of a back-to-back between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers. Tampa Bay is slated to go with Jonas Johansson in goal for this one. The Lightning are 7-3 in the last 10 games, but did lose 4-2 to the Panthers on Sunday. Nikita Kucherov has been consistent as always with 14 goals and 34 assists for the Lightning.
Florida is expected to go with Sergei Bobrovsky after Spencer Knight backstopped the win last night. The Panthers are winners of four straight and are 7-2-1 in the last 10 games. Sam Reinhart netted a pair of goals in the Panthers’ 4-2 win over the Lightning on Sunday. Matthew Tkachuk has been red-hot with eight goals and eight assists over the last 10 games.
The Cats took advantage of a pair of shorthanded-goals to get the win and will keep rolling in this one.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.
Washington Capitals vs Boston Bruins
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: NESN; Monument Sports Network; ESPN+
The last game of NHL predictions has the Capitals visiting the Boston Bruins. Charlie Lindgren is the projected starter for the Caps, who have a 7-2-1 record in the last 10 games. Washington fans won’t be getting an early Christmas present as Alex Ovechkin is being held out of the lineup. Connor McMichael has picked up the slack with 16 goals and 13 assists for the Capitals.
Jeremy Swayman is the expected starter for Boston, which is also 7-2-1 in the last 10 games. The coaching switch to Joe Sacco seems to be working so far for the Bruins. Team capiain Brad Marchand has supplied 14 goals and 13 assists for the Bruins.
Both teams are playing better as of late, but the Capitals should being the break with a win.
Prediction: Capitals win 4-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. We’ll go to our second game for this one. On the Tampa side, go with Jake Guentzel to get multiple points at +275. For Florida, take Carter Verhaeghe to get the over on 0.5 points at +130.
Main photo by: John Jones- Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Dec 23 New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.